USC Aiken mourns loss of star

The USC Aiken athletic community tried to move on Wednesday after the loss of one of its own, but cheering for balls, strikes, hits and outs was a difficult task after the Pacer family lost one of its biggest stars, junior point guard Javonte Clanton.

The usual excitement in public address announcer Joe Kurcharski's voice at Roberto Hernandez Stadium as USCA battled rival Augusta State on the baseball diamond was a little subdued, memorial ribbons graced the shoulders of players, fans and coaches, and even baseball coach Kenny Thomas' argument of a controversial call at second base didn't have its same fire.

The hearts of everyone in attendance, those who shared classes and dorms with the lightning-quick Blinn College transfer and those who had only read his name in the box score, just weren't ready for a spirited baseball rivalry.

"Our students, faculty and staff are in mourning said Chancellor Tom Hallman. "It's a dark day on the USC Aiken campus, and our heartfelt thoughts are with Javonte's family, friends and fellow teammates."

Clanton, 20, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, near Columbus, was only a few hours from his family home in Ohio when he likely fell asleep at the wheel.

The junior guard was alone in the Chevrolet Malibu when his vehicle flipped, and he was ejected, said Chief Deputy Bruce Dewees, with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office in West Virginia.

Clanton died only hours after the Pacers fell to Augusta State in the "Sweet 16" of the NCAA Division II tournament Tuesday. He had contacted at least one teacher to say he would not be in class Wednesday.

West Virginia officials said they do not believe Clanton had been drinking or was under the influence of drugs, but "likely just fell asleep."

News agencies in the Jackson County area have said the vehicle left the roadway and went airborne before crashing in the median of I-77. He was northbound, state officials said.

The news of Clanton's passing was reported to the USC Aiken men's basketball team on Wednesday morning, shortly after head coach Vince Alexander and his coaching staff had learned of the tragedy.

"Right now we are still in a state of disbelief over this incredible loss," said Alexander in a release. "Javonte was a very talented basketball player, and he was beloved by all his teammates. Most importantly, Javonte was an outstanding individual and student. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Javonte. This is a tremendous loss to the USC Aiken community."

Chancellor Tom Hallman said the students, faculty and staff are in mourning.

Clanton just finished his first season at USCA after transferring from the Texas community college. A communications major, he was the son of Sharonda Clanton. His guardian and grandmother was Brenda Clanton.

Funeral arrangements are not yet set.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com